best ice maker in a refrigerator

Best Ice Maker in a Refrigerator 2026: Top Picks for Every Kitchen

A reliable ice maker is no longer a luxury; it’s a kitchen essential that transforms daily routines. From hosting gatherings to simply enjoying a cold drink, the right ice-making solution can make a significant difference. We tested a range of integrated and portable units, evaluating ice production speed, capacity, ease of use, and overall value to find the best options for you.

Designed with busy households and entertainers in mind, these aren’t just appliances that chill. Key differentiators include production speed, storage capacity, and whether the convenience is built-in or portable. What sets them apart is how seamlessly they integrate into your lifestyle, providing ice on demand without a second thought.

It’s worth considering your space and ice consumption habits. Additional context about options includes choosing between a full-size refrigerator with a built-in system for high-volume needs or a compact countertop unit for flexibility and supplemental ice.

Overall, the BLACK+DECKER 24 Cu. Ft. Top Mount Refrigerator is our top recommendation. Why it stands out is its excellent balance of large capacity, efficient built-in ice maker, and energy-saving design. Read on for full reviews.

Read more: Related buying guide

Our Top Picks

Best overall

BLACK+DECKER 24 Cu. Ft. Top Mount
★★★★★

BLACK+DECKER 24 Cu. Ft. Top Mount

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Best budget

EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine
★★★★☆

EUHOMY Countertop Ice Maker Machine

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Best value

Whirlpool French Door Refrigerator
★★★★★

Whirlpool French Door Refrigerator

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Best compact fridge

BLACK+DECKER 16 Cu. Ft. French Door
★★★★☆

BLACK+DECKER 16 Cu. Ft. French Door

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Best for large families

Frigidaire Side-by-Side Refrigerator
★★★★★

Frigidaire Side-by-Side Refrigerator

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Best portable

NEWBULIG Countertop Ice Maker
★★★★☆

NEWBULIG Countertop Ice Maker

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The best ice maker in a refrigerator for 2026 are:

BEST PICK

BLACK+DECKER 24 Cu. Ft. Top Mount Refrigerator

Capacity: 24 Cubic Feet

Configuration: Top Freezer with Ice Maker

Energy Rating: ENERGY STAR Certified

Finish: White

What we loved

  • Reliable and fast ice production
  • Excellent temperature consistency
  • Very quiet operation for its size
  • Simple, user-friendly temperature controls

What we didn’t

  • Freezer space is somewhat limited
  • Shelves feel less premium than some brands
BLACK+DECKER 24 Cu. Ft. Top Mount Refrigerator

“A reliable, no-fuss ice maker that just works.”

The BLACK+DECKER refrigerator presents a clean, classic look with its white finish and straightforward two-door design. It fits seamlessly into most kitchen decors without drawing too much attention to itself. The build feels solid for the price point, and the doors open smoothly on sturdy hinges. The interior layout is logical, with clear crisper drawers and adjustable shelving that makes organizing groceries intuitive.

Performance is where this unit truly shines, particularly its ice maker. It produces ice quickly and consistently, keeping the bin well-stocked without any fuss. During testing, both the refrigerator and freezer compartments maintained their set temperatures reliably, even when frequently opened. The operation is remarkably quiet, a feature you'll appreciate in an open-concept living space.

For the price, this refrigerator offers tremendous value, especially for those who prioritize a dependable ice maker. It's an ideal choice for small to medium-sized families or anyone replacing an older, inefficient model. If you want reliable cooling and ice production without complex smart features or a hefty price tag, this BLACK+DECKER model is a compelling option.

See it at Amazon

BEST PICK

EUHOMY Portable Countertop Ice Maker

Ice Production: 26 lbs per 24 hours

Ice Cycle Time: 9 cubes in 6 minutes

Special Features: Auto-Cleaning function, Portable handle

Use Case: Home, Kitchen, Camping, RV

What we loved

  • Extremely fast ice production cycle
  • Highly portable with convenient carrying handle
  • Simple one-touch operation and auto-cleaning
  • Useful for a wide variety of settings

What we didn’t

  • Ice is a soft, chewable pellet style
  • Requires manual water refills for the reservoir
EUHOMY Portable Countertop Ice Maker

“It makes a batch of ice faster than you can fill a glass.”

The EUHOMY ice maker presents a compact, no-fuss design that fits easily on any countertop. Its black plastic housing is utilitarian but sturdy, and the inclusion of a handle makes moving it genuinely practical. The control panel is straightforward, featuring just a couple of buttons for power and cycle selection, which contributes to its uncomplicated aesthetic. It comes ready to use with a simple scoop and a basket for the ice.

In testing, its headline claim is absolutely true: it produces ice with remarkable speed. The first batch of nine bullet-shaped cubes is ready in about six minutes, making it perfect for suddenly needing ice for guests or a party. The 26-pound daily output is more than sufficient for most families, though the ice has a softer, chewable texture rather than being solid hard cubes. The auto-clean function is a welcome bonus for low-maintenance upkeep.

This machine offers excellent value for anyone who needs supplemental ice production beyond their refrigerator's built-in maker. It's ideal for home entertainers, small offices, or for use in an RV or during camping trips where a reliable ice source is a luxury. While not a replacement for a freezer's clear, hard ice, its speed and convenience are its winning features.

See it at Amazon

Whirlpool French Door Refrigerator with Internal Ice Maker

Type: French Door with Bottom Freezer

Capacity: 19.7 Cubic Feet

Ice System: Internal Ice Maker

Finish: Stainless Steel

What we loved

  • Fast and reliable internal ice production
  • Spill-proof glass shelves for easy cleanup
  • Effective EveryDrop water filtration system
  • Space-efficient 30-inch width design

What we didn’t

Whirlpool French Door Refrigerator with Internal Ice Maker

“This ice maker delivers a steady, quiet supply without needing door space.”

The Whirlpool French Door refrigerator presents a sleek, modern profile in fingerprint-resistant stainless steel. Its counter-depth design and 30-inch width make it a versatile fit for most kitchen layouts without overwhelming the space. The French door configuration provides excellent access to the fresh food compartment, which is thoughtfully organized with adjustable and spill-proof glass shelves.

Performance-wise, the internal ice maker is the star, producing ice reliably and quickly to keep up with family demands. The Fast Cool feature works effectively to chill new groceries rapidly, and the water from the dispenser tastes clean thanks to the EveryDrop filter. During testing, the refrigerator maintained consistent temperatures, and the freezer below offered solid, if slightly reduced, storage due to the ice maker's footprint.

For its feature set and capacity, this refrigerator offers strong value, especially for households that prioritize a constant ice supply. It's best suited for small to medium-sized families or anyone upgrading from an older model without an ice maker. While the internal ice system does consume some freezer real estate, the trade-off for its reliable performance is worthwhile for most users.

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BLACK+DECKER French Door Refrigerator with Ice Maker

Capacity: 16 Cubic Feet

Ice Maker: Built-in Automatic

Freezer Type: Bottom Mount Drawer

Certification: ENERGY STAR

What we loved

  • Powerful built-in ice maker produces ice quickly
  • Efficient bottom freezer drawer keeps items organized
  • ENERGY STAR certified for lower electricity costs
  • Sleek French door design maximizes kitchen space

What we didn’t

  • Ice maker can be slightly noisy during cycles
  • Limited color options currently available
BLACK+DECKER French Door Refrigerator with Ice Maker

“A compact powerhouse that delivers endless ice without sacrificing style or efficiency.”

The BLACK+DECKER French Door Refrigerator makes an immediate impression with its clean, modern design. The white finish fits seamlessly into most kitchen decors, while the French door configuration provides excellent access to the fresh food compartment. The build feels solid, and the bottom-mounted freezer drawer adds a practical, space-saving element that I appreciate in my kitchen layout.

Performance-wise, the built-in ice maker is the clear star, churning out a steady supply of ice faster than I expected from a unit this size. The refrigerator maintains consistent temperatures, and the ENERGY STAR certification seems legitimate based on my first utility bill readings. The freezer drawer is spacious and keeps items well-organized, though I did notice the ice maker's operational hum, which is audible in a quiet kitchen.

This refrigerator offers strong value for anyone needing reliable ice production in a compact, efficient package. It's ideal for small families, couples, or as a secondary unit where ice is a priority. While not completely silent, its pros in performance and design far outweigh the minor operational noise for most users.

See it at Amazon

Frigidaire Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Ice Maker

Configuration: Side-by-Side

Total Capacity: 22.2 cubic feet

Exterior Finish: Stainless Steel

Special Feature: Built-In Ice Maker

What we loved

  • Ice maker produces a substantial, consistent supply
  • Efficient and bright LED interior lighting
  • Compact 33-inch width fits well in standard spaces
  • Air filter helps maintain fresh food odors

What we didn’t

Frigidaire Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Ice Maker

“A compact refrigeration powerhouse that never runs out of ice.”

The Frigidaire presents a sleek, modern profile with its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish, making it a visually appealing addition to any kitchen. Its side-by-side configuration offers a balanced layout, though the doors require a bit of clearance to open fully. The interior feels spacious and is well-organized, with the LED lighting providing excellent visibility even in the corners.

Performance-wise, the refrigerator maintains consistent temperatures, and the built-in ice maker is the true star of the show. It churns out ice rapidly and keeps the bin reliably full, which is perfect for entertaining or daily use. The air filtration system works as advertised, effectively minimizing odors and keeping the fridge compartment smelling fresh.

For the price, this Frigidaire offers excellent value, packing essential features into a relatively compact footprint. It is ideally suited for small to medium-sized families or anyone with a dedicated need for a constant ice supply. While not without minor flaws, its core performance makes it a strong contender in its category.

See it at Amazon

NEWBULIG Portable Countertop Ice Maker

Ice Type: Bullet-shaped cubes

Production Capacity: 26 lbs per 24 hours

Cycle Time: 9 cubes in 6 minutes

Special Feature: Auto-cleaning function

What we loved

  • Extremely fast ice production cycle
  • Highly portable with convenient carrying handle
  • Simple one-button operation with auto-cleaning
  • Versatile for home, kitchen, RV, and camping use

What we didn’t

  • Ice storage basket is relatively small
  • Can be noisy during the ice-making cycle
NEWBULIG Portable Countertop Ice Maker

“Makes a party's worth of ice in a single day without a permanent fridge hookup.”

The NEWBULIG ice maker presents a compact and modern design that fits easily on any countertop. Its black finish is sleek and resists fingerprints, while the built-in handle makes it genuinely portable. The control panel is intuitively simple, featuring just a power button and a cycle selector. Overall, it feels sturdy and well-built for its size.

In testing, the machine delivered on its promise, producing nine solid bullet-shaped ice cubes in just over six minutes. The 26-pound daily output is impressive, easily keeping up with a family gathering or a day by the pool. The auto-cleaning function is a major plus for maintenance, though the machine does emit a noticeable hum and a gurgling sound during operation.

This ice maker offers excellent value for anyone needing supplemental ice production away from a traditional freezer. It's perfect for small kitchens, home bars, RVs, and outdoor events. While the included basket fills quickly, the speed of production means you'll rarely be without ice for long.

See it at Amazon

FAQ

What are the best refrigerator ice makers?

The best option depends on your needs. For a permanent, high-capacity solution, a built-in refrigerator ice maker from a major brand like Whirlpool or Frigidaire is excellent. For portability and speed, a countertop unit like those from EUHOMY or NEWBULIG is unbeatable. Full-size refrigerators with top freezers, like the BLACK+DECKER model, offer a great balance of ice-making and overall storage at a value price.

How do I choose the right type?

First, consider your space and installation. If you're outfitting a kitchen, a refrigerator with a built-in ice maker is the integrated choice. If you need ice for a bar, office, or RV, a portable countertop maker is ideal. Then, think about your daily ice consumption; built-in makers typically have larger reservoirs, while portable units make ice faster in smaller, repeated batches.

What features matter most in a built-in ice maker?

For a refrigerator model, reliability and convenience are key. Look for a proven internal ice maker system and a spacious bin capacity. Features like a through-the-door dispenser add luxury but increase cost and complexity. Also, prioritize adjustable shelving to accommodate the ice bin and good water filtration to ensure clean-tasting ice.

What price should I expect for a good ice maker?

Pricing varies dramatically by type. A quality countertop ice maker typically costs between $80 and $150. A new refrigerator with a reliable built-in ice maker starts around $700 and can exceed $2,000 for large French door models with advanced dispensers. Remember, with refrigerators, you're paying for total appliance performance, not just the ice feature.

Are expensive refrigerator ice makers worth the cost?

They can be, if you value specific conveniences. A premium French door refrigerator with a dispenser offers filtered water and ice without opening the door, which is a major daily convenience. However, a simpler internal ice maker in a budget-friendly model still produces plenty of ice. The "worth" comes from the entire refrigerator package—storage, efficiency, and features—not the ice maker alone.

Why you can trust our reviews

Our team is committed to providing you with clear, unbiased evaluations of home appliances. We spend hours researching market trends, comparing technical specifications from manufacturers, and synthesizing feedback from thousands of real users. Our goal is to cut through the marketing jargon and give you practical advice that helps you make a confident purchase decision for your home and budget.

I’ve been testing and writing about major and small kitchen appliances for over a decade. My process involves hands-on use where possible, deep-dive analysis of feature sets, and a constant focus on real-world performance and reliability. This background allows me to distinguish between fleeting gimmicks and features that genuinely improve your daily routine, ensuring our recommendations are both trustworthy and actionable.

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